WASSCE: GEOGRAPHY-THEORY-2009-Q1-Q5
(a) Economic Importance
Rail transport helps to carry heavy goods like coal, cement, and agricultural produce over long distances.
It is cheaper than road transport for carrying bulk items.
It creates jobs for many people such as drivers, engineers, and technicians.
It also connects rural areas to cities and encourages trade and development.
It reduces pressure on roads and helps in moving raw materials to factories and finished goods to markets.
(b) Problems
Many railways in Africa, including Nigeria, use old and outdated trains.
Rail tracks are poorly maintained, which causes accidents and delays.
The trains are slow and not very reliable.
There is also lack of investment by the government and private sector.
Insecurity and theft along the tracks discourage the use of rail transport.
(c) Solutions
Government should invest in modern railway systems and fast trains.
Tracks should be repaired and upgraded regularly.
Train staff should be properly trained and well paid.
Rail transport should be connected to other forms of transport like seaports and airports.
Private companies should be allowed to operate and invest in the railway sector.
2a. Name:
i. Two major export items from Nigeria
Crude oil
Cocoa
ii. Two major import items to Nigeria
Machinery and electronics
Refined petroleum products
iii. Two major trading partners of Nigeria
China
United States of America (USA)
2b. Highlight four benefits of your country derived from trading with other countries
1. Nigeria earns foreign exchange which is used to develop the country.
2. It allows Nigeria to get goods that are not produced locally.
3. It encourages better relationship with other nations.
4. It creates job opportunities in customs, ports, and transport sectors.
2c. Identify three problems encountered by your country in international trade
1. Poor transportation system like bad roads and slow ports.
2. High tariffs and trade restrictions by other countries.
3. Fluctuation in prices of export goods like crude oil.
3a. State four reasons for the concentration of manufacturing industries in the capital cities of Tropical African countries
1. Availability of good roads, electricity, and water supply.
2. Large population which provides labour and market.
3. Presence of banks and government offices for business support.
4. Capital cities are more secure and attract investors.
3b. Give three reasons for the predominance of customer-oriented industries in Tropical Africa
1. To reduce cost of transporting finished goods to customers.
2. To meet quick demand for goods like food, drinks, and clothing.
3. Because raw materials for these industries are easily found near customers.
3c. Describe three contributions of manufacturing industries to the economic development of Tropical African countries
1. They provide jobs for thousands of people, reducing poverty.
2. They help in adding value to raw materials like turning cotton into clothes.
3. They increase export and reduce dependence on foreign goods, improving the country’s economy.
